Frontloading arbor gate

ABSTRACT

A frontloading arbor apparatus for use in counterweight rigging operations configured to enable individual counterweight load adjustment within at least one of a plurality of discrete compartments while the remaining compartments are secured by one or more gate mechanisms, thereby limiting a potential inadvertent separation of the entire counterweight load during use. The frontloading arbor apparatus including a rigid support frame having a plurality of laterally oriented shelf members extending between a pair of sidewalls, a corresponding plurality of gate mechanisms for each of the plurality of discrete compartments, the plurality of gate mechanisms pivotably coupled to one of the sidewalls and configured to pivot between an open position and a closed position, and a corresponding plurality of latches for each of the plurality of gates, each of the plurality of latches configured to independently secure each of the corresponding plurality of gates in the closed position.

RELATED APPLICATION INFORMATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/582,638 (filed Nov. 7, 2017), the contents of which are fully incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure generally relates to manual counterweight rigging apparatuses and systems, and more particularly to frontloading arbor apparatuses and methods of use, having a plurality of gate mechanisms configured to independently secure stacked counterweight bricks within discrete compartments.

BACKGROUND

Performance rigging in stage environments, such as theaters, studios, concert halls, arenas, television studios, casino showrooms, and cruise ships often include numerous items of equipment such as scenery, lighting, curtains and other performance enhancements that must be moved up and down or in and out of the performance space. Typically, counterweights, set to generally match the weight or load of the equipment, are employed for ease in maneuverability and balancing of the equipment during use. In some cases, the counterweights can be releasably connected to carriage frames or arbors, thereby enabling the counterweight load to be adjusted to account for changing weights of the items, which can become heavier or lighter as scenery or lighting fixtures are added or removed.

One type of arbor apparatus commonly used has two vertical arbor rods which receive elongated, roughly H-shaped counterweight bricks. Such known counterweight rigging systems suffer from a number of known drawbacks. In particular, the method in which the counterweight bricks are installed and removed from the arbor apparatus dictate that the apparatus be taller than is actually required for the amount of counterweight bricks needed. Coupled with the heavy weight and awkward shape of the H-shaped counterweight bricks, maneuvering of the weights can be difficult; particularly when it involves bending or climbing to load or unload the counterweight bricks. Further, in the event of a “runaway”—an accident involving falling suspended stage rigging or counterweights—the arbor rods can be prone to bowing out under stress, which can result in the counterweight bricks falling off during use. To counter potential distortion of the arbor rods, some arbor apparatuses can include so-called “spreader plates,” which serve as active safety devices.

Another type of arbor apparatus, for example that disclosed in U.S. Published Patent App. No. 2010/0258699, can define a rigid support frame shaped and sized to receive frontloading of counterweight bricks in a stacked arrangement. In some cases, the arbor apparatus can include a plurality of shelf members that extend generally in a lateral direction and that are spaced apart in a longitudinal direction between the top and bottom ends. However, like other counterweight rigging systems, these arbor apparatuses also suffer from a number of drawbacks. In particular, the counterweight bricks can be prone to shifting out of the respective shelf members of the rigid support frame during use, potentially falling to the stage below.

The present disclosure addresses these concerns.

SUMMARY

Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a frontloading arbor apparatus, and method of use, having a plurality of gate mechanisms configured to independently secure stacked counterweight bricks within discrete compartments. In some embodiments, the arbor apparatus is configured to eliminate the use of rods and spreader plates to secure the weights within the arbor apparatus. In some embodiments, the arbor apparatus eliminates awkward bending or climbing in order to properly position the weights within the arbor apparatus. In one embodiment, the arbor apparatus is configured to enable weights to be added to discrete compartments or sections, while the remaining compartments are secured by one or more gate mechanisms, thereby limiting the potential weight release to a single compartment instead of the entire arbor in the event of an uncontrolled release. In one embodiment, each of the plurality of gate mechanisms can include a latch configured to secure the gate mechanism closed, even when subjected to multidirectional forces. In one embodiment, each of the plurality of gate mechanisms can further include a secondary latch for improved engagement and safety.

One embodiment of the present disclosure provides a frontloading arbor apparatus for use in counterweight rigging operations configured to enable individual counterweight load adjustment within at least one of a plurality of discrete compartments while the remaining compartments are secured by one or more gate mechanisms, thereby limiting a potential inadvertent separation of the entire counterweight load during use. The arbor apparatus can include a rigid support frame, a plurality of gate mechanisms, and a plurality of latches. The rigid support frame can have a longitudinal oriented pair of sidewalls and a rear wall extending between a top portion any bottom portion. The rigid support frame can further have a plurality of laterally oriented shelf members extending between the pair of sidewalls, thereby defining a plurality of discrete compartments within the rigid support frame. The plurality of gate mechanisms can correspond to each of the plurality of discrete compartments. The plurality of gate mechanisms can be pivotably coupled to one of the sidewalls, and can be configured to pivot between an open position enabling counterweight load adjustment within a single discrete compartment of the plurality of discrete compartments, and a closed position configured to inhibit removal of the counterweight load from the plurality of discrete compartments. The plurality of latches can correspond to each of the plurality of gate mechanisms. Each of the plurality of latches can be configured to independently secure each of the corresponding plurality of gate mechanisms in the closed position, thereby limiting a potential inadvertent separation of the entire counterweight load during use.

In one embodiment, the rigid frame support can be constructed of sheet metal. In one embodiment, the rigid support frame can include at least two laterally oriented shelf members, defining at least three distinct compartments. In one embodiment, the rigid support frame can include at least three laterally oriented shelf members, defining at least four discrete compartments. In one embodiment, each of the plurality of discrete compartments can be shaped and sized to receive a portion of the counterweight load in a stacked arrangement. In one embodiment, at least one of the plurality of discrete compartments is positioned at a height configured enable adjustment of the counterweight load without bending over or climbing. In one embodiment, the plurality of gate mechanisms can be configured to enable user to view the contents of the plurality of discrete compartments when the gate mechanisms are in the closed position. In one embodiment, the plurality of gate mechanisms can be constructed of a heavy wire material. In one embodiment, the plurality of gate mechanisms can be pivotably coupled to the side wall via one or more hinges. In one embodiment, the plurality of latches can be operably coupled to the corresponding plurality of gates. In one embodiment, the plurality of latches can be of a rotary pawl type latch. In one embodiment, the arbor apparatus can further include a corresponding plurality of second latches for each of the plurality of gate mechanisms, each of the plurality of second latches configured to further aid in securing each of the corresponding plurality of gate mechanisms in the closed position.

The summary above is not intended to describe each illustrated embodiment or every implementation of the present disclosure. The figures and the detailed description that follow more particularly exemplify these embodiments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The disclosure can be more completely understood in consideration of the following detailed description of various embodiments of the disclosure, in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1A is a front perspective view depicting an arbor apparatus in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 1B is a rear perspective view depicting the arbor apparatus of FIG. 1A.

FIG. 1C is a front view depicting the arbor apparatus of FIG. 1A.

FIG. 1D is a profile view depicting the arbor apparatus of FIG. 1A.

FIG. 1E is a rear view depicting the arbor apparatus of FIG. 1A.

FIG. 1F is a profile view depicting the arbor apparatus of FIG. 1A.

FIG. 1G is a top view depicting the arbor apparatus of FIG. 1A.

FIG. 1H is a bottom view depicting the arbor apparatus of FIG. 1A.

FIG. 2A is a front view depicting a gate mechanism in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 2B is a profile view depicting the gate mechanism of FIG. 2A.

FIG. 2C is a top view depicting the gate mechanism of FIG. 2A.

FIG. 3 is a close-up front view depicting a latch of the arbor apparatus of FIG. 1C.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a latch in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 5A is a front perspective view depicting an arbor apparatus in accordance with a second embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 5B is a rear perspective view depicting the arbor apparatus of FIG. 5A.

FIG. 6A is a front view depicting a gate mechanism in accordance with a second embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 6B is a profile view depicting the gate mechanism of FIG. 6A.

FIG. 6C is a top view depicting the gate mechanism of FIG. 6A.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a latch in accordance with a second embodiment of the disclosure.

While embodiments of the disclosure are amenable to various modifications and alternative forms, specifics thereof shown by way of example in the drawings will be described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the intention is not to limit the disclosure to the particular embodiments described. On the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the subject matter as defined by the claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring to FIGS. 1A-1H, an arbor apparatus 100 is depicted in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure. In one embodiment, the arbor apparatus 100 can include a rigid support frame 102, one or more gates 104A-D, and one or more latches 106A-D.

The rigid support frame 102 can include a longitudinally oriented pair of sidewalls 108A/B extending between a top portion 110 and a bottom portion 112. In one embodiment, the rigid support frame 102 can further include a rear wall 114, also extending between the top portion 110 and the bottom portion 112. In one embodiment, at least one of the sidewalls 108A/B and/or rear wall 114 can be constructed of a thin rigid material, such as low carbon steel sheet-metal, or the like. For example, in one embodiment, the rigid support frame 102 can be constructed of two sections of sheet-metal spot welded, riveted, or otherwise adhered together, so as to form the generally longitudinally extending rigid support frame 102. In one embodiment, one or more apertures 116 can be defined by the rear wall 114 and/or sidewalls 108A/B, thereby enabling a user to view contents within the rigid support frame 102.

In one embodiment, the rigid support frame 102 can further include one or more laterally oriented shelf members 118A-C extending between the pair of sidewalls 108A/B, thereby defining a plurality of discrete compartments 120A-D within the rigid support frame 102. For example, in one embodiment, the rigid support frame 102 can include at least two laterally oriented shelf members. In another embodiment, the rigid support frame 102 can include at least three laterally oriented shelf members 118A-C. The plurality of discrete compartments 120 can be shaped and sized to receive a portion of the counterweight load, for example individual counterweight bricks in a stacked arrangement, such that two or more individual counterweight bricks can be stacked within each of the plurality of discrete compartments 120.

In one embodiment, at least one of the plurality of discrete compartments is positioned at a height configured to enable ergonomic adjustment of the counterweight load. For example, the positions of the laterally oriented shelf members 118 can be at a height above the ground such that bending over or climbing in order to position the individual counterweight brick within the discrete compartment 120 is not necessary.

Referring to FIGS. 2A-C, a gate 104 is depicted in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure. In one embodiment, the arbor apparatus 100 can include a plurality of gates 104A-D, such that one gate 104 corresponds to each discrete compartment 120 defined by the rigid support frame 102. Each of the plurality of gates 104A-D can be pivotally coupled to one of the sidewalls 108A, and can be configured to pivot between an open position enabling counterweight load adjustment within a single discrete compartment 120, and a closed position configured to inhibit removal of the counterweight load from the single discrete compartment 120. For example, in one embodiment, the gates 104 can be coupled to the support frame 102 via one or more hinges 122. In one embodiment, each of the gates 104 is coupled to the support frame 102 via a pair of hinges 122A/B.

In one embodiment, the gates 104A-D can be configured to enable a user to view the contents of the plurality of discrete compartments 120 when the gates 104 are in the closed position. For example, in one embodiment, the gates 104 can be constructed of a heavy wire or rigid metal rod material; although other configurations are also contemplated, including a panels constructed of a perforated sheet of rigid material, or panels constructed of a transparent, translucent or opaque material, thereby enabling a user to view contents within the discrete compartments 120.

Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, exemplary latches 106 are depicted in accordance with embodiments of the disclosure. In one embodiment, the arbor apparatus 100 can include a plurality of latches 106A-D corresponding to each of the plurality of gates 104A-D. Each of the plurality of latches 106 can be configured to independently secure each of the corresponding plurality of gates 104 in the closed position, thereby limiting a potential inadvertent separation of the entire counterweight load during use. In one embodiment, the latches 106 can be fixedly coupled to the corresponding plurality of gates 104, for selective coupling to the rigid support frame 102. For example, each latch 106 can be operably coupled to a top, middle or bottom portion of the gate 104. Alternatively, the latches 106 can be fixedly coupled to the coupled to the rigid support frame 102, for selective coupling to a corresponding gate 104.

In one embodiment, the latches 106 can be dual stage rotary pawl type latches for releasably securing a striker 124 in a rotary pawl 126. The latch assembly can include a housing 128, a rotary pawl 126, and an actuator 130. The housing 128 can have a sidewall 132 defining a notch 134 for receiving the striker 124. A trigger 136 can be pivotably attached to the housing, such that the actuator 130 releases the rotary pawl 126, thus opening the latch 106. In one embodiment, the latches 106 can be constructed of a high carbon steel 1.81×0.31, manufactured to SAE J839; although use of other materials and compounds are also contemplated. In one embodiment, each gate 104 can further include a second latch (not depicted) configured to further aid in securing each of the corresponding plurality of gates 104 in the closed position.

Accordingly, embodiments of the present disclosure enable access to individual discrete compartments 120 through the use of integrated gates 104 that are hinged on one side, thereby enabling an opening and closing of the gates 104 to selectively permit access to the discrete compartments 120. The latch 106 can be utilized to secure the gates 104 in the closed position, thereby inhibiting a potential inadvertent separation of the contents within each of the discrete compartments 120. Closure and securement of the gates 104 can be achieved via the latch 106, which can be operably coupled to each of the gates 104. Accordingly, each gate 104 and its associated components work independently from the other gates 104 in order to retain the contents of the discrete compartments during a runaway, impact, or other inadvertent, uncontrolled assent or descent, thereby limiting a potential inadvertent separation of the entire counterweight load during use.

Referring to FIGS. 5A-B, an alternative embodiment of an arbor 200 is depicted. Similar to the previous embodiment, the arbor 200 can include a rigid support frame 202, a plurality of gates 204A-C (as depicted in FIGS. 6A-C), and a plurality of latches 206A-C (an example of which is depicted in FIG. 7).

The arbor apparatuses 100, 200 can be arranged in series and suspended between operating lines or loft cables (not shown). For clarity and convenience, the arbor apparatuses 100, 200 are illustrated without operating lines or loft cables. The operating lines can extend vertically upwards from the arbor apparatuses 100, 200 to a head block (not shown), and vertically downwards from the arbor apparatuses 100, 200 to a foot block (not shown). The arbor apparatuses 100, 200 can further include guide systems (shoes, rollers, etc.) (not shown). Optionally, proximate to the top portion 110 and bottom portion 112, a number of holes and/or tabs can be included that are compatible with universal shoes and/or rollers of guide systems that can be provided by various manufacturers, which can enable the arbor apparatus to be implemented as a retrofit product for existing installations.

Various embodiments of systems, devices, and methods have been described herein. These embodiments are given only by way of example and are not intended to limit the scope of the claimed inventions. It should be appreciated, moreover, that the various features of the embodiments that have been described may be combined in various ways to produce numerous additional embodiments. Moreover, while various materials, dimensions, shapes, configurations and locations, etc. have been described for use with disclosed embodiments, others besides those disclosed may be utilized without exceeding the scope of the claimed inventions.

Persons of ordinary skill in the relevant arts will recognize that the subject matter hereof may comprise fewer features than illustrated in any individual embodiment described above. The embodiments described herein are not meant to be an exhaustive presentation of the ways in which the various features of the subject matter hereof may be combined. Accordingly, the embodiments are not mutually exclusive combinations of features; rather, the various embodiments can comprise a combination of different individual features selected from different individual embodiments, as understood by persons of ordinary skill in the art. Moreover, elements described with respect to one embodiment can be implemented in other embodiments even when not described in such embodiments unless otherwise noted.

Although a dependent claim may refer in the claims to a specific combination with one or more other claims, other embodiments can also include a combination of the dependent claim with the subject matter of each other dependent claim or a combination of one or more features with other dependent or independent claims. Such combinations are proposed herein unless it is stated that a specific combination is not intended.

Any incorporation by reference of documents above is limited such that no subject matter is incorporated that is contrary to the explicit disclosure herein. Any incorporation by reference of documents above is further limited such that no claims included in the documents are incorporated by reference herein. Any incorporation by reference of documents above is yet further limited such that any definitions provided in the documents are not incorporated by reference herein unless expressly included herein.

For purposes of interpreting the claims, it is expressly intended that the provisions of 35 U.S.C. § 112(f) are not to be invoked unless the specific terms “means for” or “step for” are recited in a claim. 

1. A frontloading arbor apparatus for use in counterweight rigging operations configured to enable individual counterweight load adjustment within at least one of a plurality of discrete compartments while the remaining compartments are secured by one or more gate mechanisms, thereby limiting a potential inadvertent separation of the entire counterweight load during use, the arbor apparatus comprising: a rigid support frame having a longitudinally oriented pair of sidewalls and rear wall extending between a top portion and a bottom portion, the rigid support frame further having a plurality of laterally oriented shelf members extending between the pair of sidewalls, thereby defining a plurality of discrete compartments within the rigid support frame; a corresponding plurality of gate mechanisms for each of the plurality of discrete compartment, the plurality of gate mechanisms pivotably coupled to one of the sidewalls and configured to pivot between an open position enabling counterweight load adjustment within a single discrete compartment of the plurality of discrete compartments, and a closed position configured to inhibit removal of the counterweight load from the plurality of discrete compartments; and a corresponding plurality of latches for each of the plurality of gate mechanisms, each of the plurality of latches configured to independently secure each of the corresponding plurality of gate mechanisms in the closed position, thereby limiting a potential inadvertent separation of the entire counterweight load during use.
 2. The arbor apparatus of claim 1, wherein the rigid support frame is constructed of sheet metal.
 3. The arbor apparatus of claim 1, wherein the rigid support frame includes at least two laterally oriented shelf members, defining at least three discrete compartments.
 4. The arbor apparatus of claim 1, wherein the rigid support frame includes at least three laterally oriented shelf members, defining at least four discrete compartments.
 5. The arbor apparatus of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of discrete compartments is shaped and sized to receive a portion of the counterweight load in a stacked arrangement.
 6. The arbor apparatus of claim 1, wherein at least one of the plurality of discrete compartments is positioned at a height configured to enable adjustment of the counterweight load without bending over or climbing.
 7. The arbor apparatus of claim 1, wherein the plurality of gate mechanisms are configured to enable a user to view the contents of the plurality of discrete compartments when the gate mechanisms are in the closed position.
 8. The arbor apparatus of claim 1, wherein the plurality of gate mechanisms are constructed of a heavy wire material.
 9. The arbor apparatus of claim 1, wherein the plurality of gate mechanisms are pivotably coupled to the side wall via one or more hinges.
 10. The arbor apparatus of claim 1, wherein the plurality of latches are operably coupled to the corresponding plurality of gates.
 11. The arbor apparatus of claim 1, wherein the plurality of latches are of a rotary pawl type latch.
 12. The arbor apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a corresponding plurality of second latches for each of the plurality of gate mechanisms, each of the plurality of second latches configured to further aid in securing each of the corresponding plurality of gate mechanisms in the closed position.
 13. A arbor configured to enable individual counterweight load adjustment within one or more of a plurality of discrete compartments while the remaining compartments are secured in a closed position, thereby limiting a potential inadvertent separation of the entire counterweight load during use, the arbor comprising: a rigid support frame having a longitudinally oriented pair of sidewalls extending between a top portion and a bottom portion, the rigid support frame further having a plurality of laterally oriented shelf members extending between the pair of sidewalls, thereby defining a plurality of discrete compartments within the rigid support frame; a plurality of gates for each of the plurality of discrete compartment, each of the plurality of gates configured to pivot between an open position enabling counterweight load adjustment within a single discrete compartment of the plurality of discrete compartments, and a closed position configured to inhibit access to the single discrete compartment; and a corresponding plurality of latches for each of the plurality of gates, each of the plurality of latches configured to independently secure each of the corresponding plurality of gates in the closed position, thereby limiting a potential inadvertent separation of the entire counterweight load during use.
 14. The arbor of claim 1, wherein the rigid support frame includes at least two laterally oriented shelf members, defining at least three discrete compartments.
 15. The arbor of claim 1, wherein the rigid support frame includes at least three laterally oriented shelf members, defining at least four discrete compartments.
 16. The arbor of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of discrete compartments is shaped and sized to receive a portion of the counterweight load in a stacked arrangement.
 17. The arbor of claim 1, wherein the plurality of gate mechanisms are configured to enable a user to view the contents of the plurality of discrete compartments when the gate mechanisms are in the closed position.
 18. The arbor of claim 1, wherein the plurality of latches are operably coupled to the corresponding plurality of gates.
 19. The arbor of claim 1, wherein the plurality of latches are of a rotary pawl type latch.
 20. The arbor of claim 1, further comprising a corresponding plurality of second latches for each of the plurality of gates, each of the plurality of second latches configured to further aid in securing each of the corresponding plurality of gates in the closed position. 